SolarBank Corporation Announces 6.9 MW Community Solar Project in Nova Scotia

SolarBank Corporation, a leader in renewable and clean energy projects, has announced its latest initiative to develop a 6.9 megawatt community solar project in Brooklyn, Nova Scotia. This project represents a significant milestone as part of Canada's first Community Solar Program and is expected to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 900 homes. The initiative contributes substantially to Nova Scotia's ambitious targets of achieving 80% renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2035, marking a crucial step in the province's energy transition strategy.

The Brooklyn solar project is owned by AI Renewable Fund, which has secured two of the three contracts awarded under the Community Solar Program to date. SolarBank will serve as both developer and builder for the project, bringing its extensive experience in community solar development from the United States to the Canadian market. This cross-border expertise transfer demonstrates how established renewable energy practices can be adapted to new markets, potentially accelerating clean energy adoption across North America. The construction timeline is scheduled to begin in Spring 2026 with completion expected by Summer 2026, representing a relatively rapid implementation timeline for renewable energy infrastructure of this scale.

With a total development cost estimated at $13.9 million, this project represents a significant investment in Nova Scotia's renewable energy infrastructure. The financial commitment underscores the economic viability of community solar projects and their potential to attract private investment toward public environmental goals. This initiative highlights the growing importance of community solar programs in achieving broader environmental sustainability objectives while providing tangible benefits to local communities through cleaner energy sources and potential cost savings for participating households.

The project demonstrates the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in advancing renewable energy adoption and showcases how targeted programs can accelerate the transition toward greener economies. By providing clean, renewable energy to hundreds of homes, the Brooklyn solar installation represents a concrete step forward in combating climate change while supporting local energy security. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for similar community solar developments across Canada, potentially influencing future energy policy and investment decisions at both provincial and federal levels.